Reduce the frequency of vaccinations if you have an animal you believe may be susceptible to autoimmune disorders. Vaccines obviously stimulate the immune system, and it may not be necessary to vaccinate older dogs as frequently as most of us have been told. Dr. Dodds recommends that after one year of age, a dog be given the istemper/hepatitis/parainfluenza/killed or modified-live parvovirus booster every three years until old age. After the age of 10, boosters are generally not needed and might be inadvisable if obvious aging or disease is present. If your dog is at high risk of exposure to parvovirus, boosters of this vaccine alone, either killed or modified-live virus, may be needed. She also uses only the killed-virus three-year rabies vaccine for adult dogs and gives it separated by at least two weeks — preferably three to four weeks — from any other. Rabies vaccines, however, are regulated by state law.

Do not give bordatella, corona virus, leptospirosis, or Lyme vaccine unless those diseases are endemic to the dog’s geographic area or kennel. She noted the leptospirosis vaccine being used today is obsolete and ineffective against most strains of leptospirosis occurring today, so there is no point in giving it. (A new vaccine is in the process of being developed). In a handout on vaccine protocols, Dr. Dodds states the frequency and selection of vaccines is a matter of professional judgement and veterinarians vary in their recommendations. Dog owners should discuss the advisability of giving these vaccines with their own veterinarians.

Reduce exposure to environmental toxins.

Give drugs only when necessary.

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